The Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra has organised a series of free classical music events entitled ‘Open Doors’ which has something for everyone. The orchestra’s survival through Covid and its ability to perform for free owes much to the generosity of its sponsors, Fairlight Arts Trust and Penn Elcom, with further funding from the Lottery and the approval of the Arts Council, writes Chris Cormack.
Hastings Literary Festival, founded in 2018 with Sir David Hare as patron, was just gaining momentum when it was called off last year due to Covid restrictions. Inevitably, due to restrictions, the Festival will be smaller and in fewer venues. However, the festival is back and raring to go. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths was keen to know more about their planned activities.
The Hastings Philharmonic Choir are now breaking their long 19-month silence (their last concert was in December 2019). Rehearsals began in Autumn 2020 for a concert of top choral pieces from Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) and Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), but the subsequent concert had to be postponed to this Sunday 18 July. It must be the best rehearsed of concerts in a long time and the choir found the Covid lockdown more bearable, languishing in this beautiful music, writes Chris Cormack.
Alexander Wilberforce argues the case for a covered botanical garden to commemorate Marianne North and provide a sheltered attraction for both tourists and locals.
A historic 1930s greenhouse brought back happy memories for nurseryman Ray Bates when he attended the plant fair at Great Dixter last weekend. Linda Foy from the Alexandra Park Greenhouse charity shares his story.
Due to Government funding during the initial stage of lockdown there was a great effort to get the homeless off the street and housed in hotels, hostels or whatever accommodation could be found. That funding, sadly, did not last a year. Now, however, with the realisation of the difference a secure place to live can make, voluntary organisation are working together to support the homeless. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths was interested to find out how they and local councils are stepping up to help those who have fallen through the system.
ONE NIGHT ONLY! Already named by The Stage as ‘one of the UK’s leading Shakespearian actors’, actor Emily Carding is now exploring their connection with the bard via their own play, ‘Quintessence’. With humanity wiped out, an AI is given the task of re-creating a thriving humanity – when the time is right – based on the works of Shakespeare. Humanity must thrive…but at what cost? HOT’s Zelly Restorick interviewed Emily Carding about their latest work, their connection with theatre, AI and humanity – and how it feels to be back on stage again.
As we (hopefully) learn to live with the virus, and enjoy entertainment in public venues once more, let us welcome with open arms the return of Fat Tuesday to the life of the town, with a first event planned for late August and others to follow in the autumn and thereafter. The Fat Tuesday Team lay out their plans.
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